Sant Joan 2015: Canigó Flame

One official Sant Joan tradition, which has been around since 1955 and has grown in popularity in recent years, is the Canigó Flame. On June 22 a huge beacon is lit on the summit of the dramatically situation mountain of Canigó, one of the most easterly Pyrenean peaks, full of significance for Catalan speakers. Torches kindled in the fire are carried down in relay to light bonfires in towns and cities all over Catalonia, symbolising the vitality of Catalan culture. In Barcelona the flame will arrive at 5.30pm along the following route: C/ d’Arístides Maillol, Riera Blanca, Carretera de Sants, Plaça d’Espanya, Gran Via, C/Pelai, La Rambla, Passeig de Colom, Via Laietana and Jaume I, until it arrives in Plaça de Sant Jaume at 7pm. There it will be received by city authorities followed by a party with the dance of the Eagle and of the 'Gegants de la Ciutat' (City's Giants), and 'coca' pastry and drinks. After the party the flame will be carried to loads of other neighbourhoods in the city to light their local bonfires.